Contra Costa County School Races

Contra Costa County Board of Education Governing Board Member, Area 2

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Sarah Genn Butler, Governing Board Member, Contra Costa County Board of Education, Area 2

  • No response received.

Sibyl Minighini, School Psychologist

  • No response received.

Pamela West, Small Business Owner

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • ButlerNo response
  • WestNo response
  • MinighiniNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • ButlerNo response
  • WestNo response
  • MinighiniNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • ButlerNo response
  • WestNo response
  • MinighiniNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • ButlerNo response
  • WestNo response
  • MinighiniNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • ButlerNo response
  • WestNo response
  • MinighiniNo response

Antioch Unified School District

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Brandon Dawkins, Health Worker/Organizer

  • “If elected, my top priority will be school safety.”

Mary H Rocha, Antioch Unified School District Board Member

  • “Student Academic Achievement, our job as trustees is to make sure each student path for a productive.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • DawkinsSupport
  • RochaSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • DawkinsOppose
  • RochaSupport

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • DawkinsOppose
  • RochaSupport

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • DawkinsOppose
  • RochaOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • DawkinsSupport
  • RochaSupport

John Swett Unified School District Governing Board Member

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Teresa Jane Burk

  • No response received.

Bruce Hoeger, Equity Investor

  • No response received.

Shane Reinhart, Retired Teacher

  • No response received.

Deborah Anne Brandon, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Samantha Watson-Alvarado, Parent/Family Therapist

  • No response received.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 2

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Linda Mayo, Appointed in lieu/Incumbent

  • “Clear, transparent communication and responsible, accountable use of district resources.”

Dorothy Weisenberger, Family Support Specialist

  • “Improved transparency and communication, Support for All Students, Professional Development”

Jane Baulch-Enloe, Retired Teacher

  • “Trust, Transparency, Honesty”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • MayoNo response
  • Baulch-EnloeSupport
  • WeisenbergerSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • MayoNo response
  • Baulch-EnloeOppose
  • WeisenbergerOppose

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • MayoNo response
  • Baulch-EnloeOppose
  • WeisenbergerSupport

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • MayoNo response
  • Baulch-EnloeOppose
  • WeisenbergerSupport

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • MayoNo response
  • Baulch-EnloeOppose
  • WeisenbergerNo response

Mt. Diablo Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 4

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Brian Thomas Lawrence, Coach/Appointed trustee

  • No response received.

Al Anderson, Proposal Manager

  • No response received.

San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Governing Board Member, Area 5

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Rachel Hurd, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Joel Woods, Educator/Teacher/ Referee

  • No response received.

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 3

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Angela M. Brady, Parent/Data Analyst

  • “Transparency: Clear, accessible communication about board decisions, spending, policies, and goals.”

Deborah Gibson, Retired Teacher

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • BradySupport
  • GibsonNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • BradyOppose
  • GibsonNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • BradySupport
  • GibsonNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • BradyOppose
  • GibsonNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • BradyOppose
  • GibsonNo response

Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 1

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Stacey Schweppe, Appointed Board Member, Acalanes Union High School District

  • No response received.

Nithin Iyengar, Education Nonprofit Executive

  • No response received.

Liberty Union High School District Governing Board Member, Area 4

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Tamara Weber, Incumbent

  • “Continuing the work of expanding student access to advanced coursework and CTE pathways.”

Hillary Fairbairn Pedrotti, Retired English Teacher

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • WeberSupport
  • PedrottiNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • WeberSupport
  • PedrottiNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • WeberSupport
  • PedrottiNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • WeberSupport
  • PedrottiNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • WeberSupport
  • PedrottiNo response

Brentwood Union School District, Governing Board Member

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Oxsana Pajoluk, Mother/Business Owner

  • No response received.

Scott S. Dudek

  • “Find ways to have Sacramento stop raiding the proposition money. Find ways to increase needed tools.”

Steve Gursky, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Mark Anderson, Principal IT Consultant

  • No response received.

Emil Johnson Geddes, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • PajolukNo response
  • AndersonNo response
  • DudekSupport
  • GeddesNo response
  • GurskyNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • PajolukNo response
  • AndersonNo response
  • DudekSupport
  • GeddesNo response
  • GurskyNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • PajolukNo response
  • AndersonNo response
  • DudekSupport
  • GeddesNo response
  • GurskyNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • PajolukNo response
  • AndersonNo response
  • DudekOppose
  • GeddesNo response
  • GurskyNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • PajolukNo response
  • AndersonNo response
  • DudekSupport
  • GeddesNo response
  • GurskyNo response

Knightsen Elementary School District, Governing Board Member

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Erik M. Hansen, Electrical Engineer

  • No response received.

Robin Pastor, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Liesel Williams, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Oakley Union Elementary School District, Governing Board Member, Area 4

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Craig Pearson, Incumbent

  • “Improve student achievement through data-driven decisions, strong instruction, and targeted support.”

Isaiah B.N. Mateas, Teacher

  • “Protect student safety, defend school funding, strengthen Special Education, and expand the arts.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • PearsonSupport
  • MateasSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • PearsonSupport
  • MateasSupport

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • PearsonSupport
  • MateasOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • PearsonOppose
  • MateasSupport

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • PearsonOppose
  • MateasSupport

Orinda Union School District, Governing Board Member

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

John Chabalko, Community Volunteer

  • No response received.

Chloe Aftel, Photographer

  • “Screens out of elementary education”

Edda Collins Coleman, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Katie Shogan, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelSupport
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonSupport
  • PutnamOppose

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelOppose
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonSupport
  • PutnamOppose

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelSupport
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonOppose
  • PutnamOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelOppose
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonOppose
  • PutnamOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • BoydNo response
  • HahnelNo response
  • LymNo response
  • McMahonOppose
  • PutnamOppose

Walnut Creek School District Governing Board Member

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Eryn Holl King, Mother/School Volunteer

  • No response received.

Wenlei Johnson, Incumbent

  • “Focus on students and continued success of WCSD under guidance of new superintendent Jon Campopiano.”

Heidi Hernandez Gatty, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Geetha Ganti, Healthcare Director/Parent

  • No response received.

Aileen Ong, Communications Consultant

  • “Fix WCSD’s communication gap: listen first, communicate before decisions, and rebuild trust.”

Rod Ehsani, Real Estate Investor

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • KingNo response
  • GantiNo response
  • JohnsonSupport
  • OngSupport
  • GattyNo response
  • EhsaniNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • KingNo response
  • GantiNo response
  • JohnsonSupport
  • OngOppose
  • GattyNo response
  • EhsaniNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. 

  • KingNo response
  • GantiNo response
  • JohnsonSupport
  • OngOppose
  • GattyNo response
  • EhsaniNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district. 

  • KingNo response
  • GantiNo response
  • JohnsonOppose
  • OngOppose
  • GattyNo response
  • EhsaniNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • KingNo response
  • GantiNo response
  • JohnsonOppose
  • OngSupport
  • GattyNo response
  • EhsaniNo response
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